5 Reasons to Draft Andre Roberts in Your Fantasy Football League

Larry Fitzgerald casts quite the shadow, both literally and figuratively. 

At 6'3'', and 220 pounds, he's one of the bigger receivers in the NFL. With over 9,600 receiving yards in his first eight seasons, he garners loads of media attention. 

Because of his premier status, it's not exactly the easy for other Arizona Cardinals wideouts to emerge as household names. 

Andre Roberts, the team's No. 2 receiver for the the 2011 season, is not quite the household name, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have any fantasy viability. 

He's a Returning Starter

Yes, Andre Roberts was the Cardinals' No. 2 for the entire 2011 campaign. 

His numbers last season were relatively underwhelming, as he caught 51 passes for 586 yards with two touchdowns. 

These totals have yet to cost Roberts his job thus far in the team's offseason workouts and training camp. 

As pointed out by Darren Urban on the Cardinals' official website, Roberts is listed as the team's starting No. 2 receiver in the first released depth cart. 

With Fitzgerald in front of him, he's not in a position as conducive to success as other No. 2's around the league, but he's a No. 2 nonetheless. 

He's Versatile, Will Likely Play out of the Slot

With his 5'11'', 195-pound frame, natural quickness and lateral cutting capabilities, Roberts will get some reps out of the slot in 2012. 

Michael Floyd's presence could also determine where Roberts lines up. 

While that could spell less playing time for Roberts, playing in the slot on obvious passing downs—which is seemingly every down in today's NFL—means the third-year pro will match up against weaker, more vulnerable cornerbacks. 

He'll also have more room in which to operate over the middle, with Fitzgerald drawing rolled coverage on the outside. 

You Won't Need to Take a High Pick on Him

Because so much notoriety comes with Fitzgerald and Floyd, many fantasy owners should target the two Arizona Cardinals this season. 

Roberts has a chance to be a viable WR No. 3 in deeper points-per-reception leagues, and he can be drafted in one of the last few rounds. 

After drafting the surefire point producers, Roberts can be selected to add depth to any receiving corps. He's a player to potentially start in pinch late in the season when bye weeks and injuries can lead to disappointing and critical losses. 

Use Him as Late-Season Trade Bait

Roberts won't win or lose a fantasy league, but he could be a vital trade chip in a late-season move. 

No, he won't be the headliner in any deal, but his points-per-reception viability could be enticing to a receiver-needy owner who's looking for multiple players as compensation for the one guy he covets.

Using him on a few occasions as a flex option or WR No. 3 before trading him when his value is highest may be the slight upper-hand in a fantasy matchup with playoff implications in December. 

Michael Floyd May Take a While to Acclimate to Professional Game

Michael Floyd, the Cardinals' 2012 first-round pick, has all the size, skill and collegiate experience to become a fine NFL wideout—eventually. 

There's no telling how fast he will acclimate to the NFL game. 

This from the SportsXchange's Len Pasquarelli on Floyd's transition process:

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Arizona first-round wide receiver Michael Floyd was slow in spring workouts to adjust to the NFL-level work ethic, and might start camp no better than No. 4 among the Cardinals' receivers. 

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The former Notre Dame standout wouldn't be the first wideout to slowly transition to the pros. 

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic had this to say about Floyd's current standing and where he predicts he'll start the 2012 season:

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Michael Floyd, the first-round pick, will not immediately step into the starting lineup. In fact, I'd be surprised if Floyd is ranked above Roberts or Early Doucet any time soon. 

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If it takes Floyd a month or two to really make his presence felt, Roberts could enjoy a solid start to the season, even if he's sharing time with former LSU wideout Early Doucet.